Lincoln, Neb.--The Glenn Korff School of Music invites the public to see its new music building, located at 10th and Q streets on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln city campus, at an Open House on Friday, Aug. 22 from 4-6:30 p.m. The Open House will be followed by the Cornhusker Marching Band’s Exhibition Concert at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
Both events are free and open to the public. During the Open House, self-guided tours will be available with faculty, staff and students on hand to answer questions.
The annual Cornhusker Marching Band exhibition will present highlights of what the band works on during their pre-season band camp, as well as the popular drill down competition, where band members show off their marching and focus skills.
The new Westbrook Music Building replaces the former Westbrook Music Building located at 11th and R streets, which originally opened in 1967. The new building was made possible with $75 million in support from the Nebraska Legislature through LB384. The architects for the building were BNIM of Kansas City and Sinclair Hille Architects of Lincoln. The construction manager was Hausmann Construction. The acoustical engineering consultant was Kirkegaard.
“We didn’t just build a facility—we created a platform for a new era of innovation, interdisciplinarity and artistic excellence,” said Glenn Korff School of Music Director Felix Olschofka. “I invite our alumni and the entire community to come see this beautiful new home for the Glenn Korff School of Music.”
The 103,000-square-feet, state-of-the-art facility officially opened last May and will host classes for the first time this fall. The building provides ample daylight and more access to social spaces than the previous facility.
Other highlights of the new building include:
• An immersive performance hall, located on the first floor. The hall offers an immersive experience enhanced buy spatial sound and design capabilities. It features retractable seating for 175 people, technology for unparalleled audio immersion and high-definition video conferencing and advanced streaming technology.
“With the new immersive space, music concerts and events can transcend traditional formats by integrating advanced audiovisual technology, spatial sound design and interactive elements that engage audiences more deeply,” Olschofka said. “A large-scale LED screen composed of six movable elements will be available on stage, providing a dynamic canvas for audiovisual projects.”
• A recording studio, also located on the first floor. The studio is equipped with cutting-edge audio and video technology, offering high-fidelity recording equipment, real-time mixing and mastering, and integration with virtual reality tools.
“The latest network technology will allow the studio to livestream to and from rehearsal spaces, ensuring seamless recording and broadcasting of rehearsals and concerts by students, faculty and guest artists,” Olschofka said. “We are in the process of extending our Bachelor of Arts program with a new option in music technology and music production. The recording studio will play a key role in supporting and executing these new curricular opportunities.”
Both the immersive performance space and recording studio will provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with other areas both within the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and throughout the university, including theatre and sound engineering.
• Other spaces in the building include two large rehearsal rooms (for band and choir), a percussion rehearsal space, a music library, 16 classroom spaces, 41 practice rooms and 65 offices, among other spaces.
Phase two of construction is currently underway. The south side of the original Westbrook Music Building will be renovated and connected to the new building, providing additional office and classroom space. The north side of the original building will be demolished. Additional landscaping will also be installed to connect the new music building to the arts quadrangle. The entire project will be completed next spring, which is when the official dedication for the new building will be scheduled.
“The building is both beautiful and highly functional, and it truly supports the next chapter of excellence at the Glenn Korff School of Music,” Olschofka said. “I am truly excited to welcome back our community and alumni to experience our new space—a place designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and connection. It’s exciting to imagine all the possibilities this new home will open up for everyone.”
Those attending the new music building Open House should enter the building at the southwest entrance of the building at 10th and Q streets.
Fans attending the Cornhusker Marching Band exhibition concert should enter Memorial Stadium through Gate 3 (southwest entrance) or Gate 11 (northwest entrance). The gates will open at 6 p.m.
The Cornhusker Marching Band resides in the Glenn Korff School of Music.
